Hey everyone! It's Monday, which is usually not a good thing...but I've got a special treat for you! I'm going to be posting both chapter three, and chapter four today! *cheers* XD Part of it is because they're a bit shorter page-wise, so I thought that just one wouldn't be enough for you guys ;) Also, someone mentioned they were having a bit of a bad day, so...I thought I'd treat them to an extra chapter to help make up for it. Sure, another bit of fanfiction isn't gonna do much to brighten anyone's day, but...I thought I'd do what I could ^_^ Hope your day is going a bit better when you read this, Amber!

No shout outs today – seems everyone managed to get messaging enabled! ^_^ So I guess that just leaves the disclaimer, and then I'll get out of your way so you can get on with the third chapter!

~BlackRoseDragon13

*Disclaimer* I do not own, nor claim to own, any aspect of Naruto in any way, shape, or form. This is merely a fan work, and I receive no profit.

Chapter Three

The next morning, Hinata woke late. Her change in sleep patterns – staying up late and getting up early to get as much research done as possible – had finally caught up with her. Glancing at a clock, she saw that it was nearly eleven. Shoot...and I wanted to get going early this morning...

She moved into a sitting position at the edge of her bed, bare feet barely touching the hardwood floor as she stared at the opposite wall. Everything was ready except for her reason for leaving. Despite wracking her brain all day yesterday after meeting with Naruto, she still had no idea what to say to Tsunade. But she had to try something.

Changing into her usual shinobi attire, Hinata grabbed her pack and headed out her bedroom door. So intent was she in her thoughts, she barely heard her father call her name. "Huh?"

"Do you have a mission, Hinata?" Hiashi stared at her without emotion, adding, "I see no other reason for you to be so heavily burdened."

Hinata nodded. "Um, y-yes...a long-term one outside the village."

"I see. Make sure you succeed."

"I'll try my best, Father."

A bit nervous at being interrogated, Hinata made her way out of the house in a hurry, wanting no more interruptions before approaching Tsunade. Her thoughts still scrambled for something to say. Before she was ready, she was standing at the entrance to the Hokage's building, looking up at the door with a slightly-worried look. Sighing, she started ascending stairs toward Tsunade's main room.

On her way there, she saw several people rushing about, looking harried and flustered, many carrying documents and talking quickly amongst themselves. This only served to worry the Hyuuga girl. What's going on?

Before she could open Tsunade's door, several people passed through on their way out, determined looks on their faces. The one at the front was none other than Naruto. His hard expression changed to one of surprise as he beheld her. "Hinata chan! What are you doing here, dattebayo?"

"Oh! I, uh, have a m-mission, Naruto kun."

"I see. Well, good luck." With that, Naruto moved forward with his sensei and teammate, brushing her shoulder as he went. Sakura gave her a curious glance, but said nothing as she too passed by.

They both looked very distracted...I wonder what's going on. Still curious, Hinata approached Tsunade's still-open door, asking quietly, "Um, Tsunade sama...may I come in?"

The buxom blonde glanced up from a document she was reading, and replied with a gruff grunt. Taking that as a yes, Hinata moved forward to stand before her leader. "I...have a request to make, Tsunade sama..."

"If it's to go with team Kakashi, the answer is no. They've got the situation under control."

"Oh! Um, no...that's n-not what I wanted to ask..."

"Then spit it out, Hinata. I have a lot going on at the moment, what with Gaara's kidnapping to worry about."

Hinata offered a small gasp at the news, but shoved the new information aside as she implored, "I would like to take on a special mission outside the village."

Tsunade's amber eyes stared at the girl, brow drawn as she frowned. "What exactly does that mean, Hinata?"

Bowing slightly, Hinata let her mouth take over with no guidance from her mind. "Well, as you know, I've b-been helping Sakura chan research information about Sasuke san and Orochimaru. And, well...I want to go after Sasuke san myself."

A long, drawn-out sigh escaped the Hokage's nose as she leaned back in her chair, arms folded under her large chest. "And why should I allow this? I've had Naruto and Sakura doing everything they can ever since that brat went rogue three years ago. What makes you think you can do anything better?"

This snapped something in the little Hyuuga heiress. All her life she'd been told she was weak, that she could never hope to match up against anyone of importance, and that she could never accomplish what she wanted. Slowly, her hands curled into fists at her side. "This is something I want to do," she replied quietly, her voice firm. "I know how much it would mean to Naruto kun if Sasuke san were to return to Konoha. I believe I have the means to bring him back. Shouldn't I be allowed to try?"

The women stared at each other, one looking skeptical, the other determined. Tsunade recognized that this was indeed important to the girl, but not quite for the reasons she was giving. Something had happened to make her want this, and she apparently wasn't going to reveal all her cards. And Tsunade recognized that her determination would easily overcome being told no.

Naruto has a dream to bring that Uchiha back, she thought, still looking hard at the Hyuuga. And Hinata wants that dream to come true. Now something has happened to possibly make that dream a reality, and nothing is going to stand in her way. This may not be the only reason she wants to go, but it's enough to justify it. Sighing once more, she replied, "Very well. Is there anything you need?"

Blinking several times, it took Hinata a moment to realize that Tsunade had said yes. "Um...I'm not sure."

"Whatever you need, you can get. I can see you won't back down over this, and I respect that. I can also see that you're not telling me everything."

Hinata didn't deny it, merely waiting for Tsunade to continue.

Seeing that a reply was not forthcoming, Tsunade added, "However, I believe that something has changed enough to justify letting you try. If you feel that success is unattainable, however, I request that you come home. Is that clear?"

"Yes. Also, I would appreciate you not telling anyone...especially Naruto kun. I don't want anyone else to g-get involved. This is something...I have to do alone."

Tsunade nodded. "I see. Very well – I'll mark this as an S-ranked mission to keep other people out of it. I expect you to stay in contact with me, however, and do whatever you need to do. If you need anything, even backup, don't hesitate. We're here for you. As much as I dislike Sasuke for what he's done, I understand the need to bring him back, and I'll give you whatever you need to make that happen."

"I understand. Thank you, Tsunade sama. I p-promise I'll do my best." Bowing deeply, Hinata took her leave and disappeared into the hallway, shutting the door behind her.

Tsunade leaned forward and wove her hands together, resting her chin in thought. She wanted to know what had happened to make the shy Hyuuga girl decide to take this risk, especially alone and under such an amount of secrecy. But it was obvious she wasn't about to speak. She must think she's protecting someone by taking this burden on alone. I wonder... The blonde allowed herself to puzzle over the possibilities for a while before remembering the situation in Sunagakure. This was going to be quite the mess to handle, especially if Jiraiya was right and Akatsuki was involved. Hinata's request was soon forgotten as she concentrated on the missing Kazekage.

.oOo.

Shifting her pack on her shoulders, Hinata made her way through the streets of Konoha quietly, heading toward the village gates. Every step she took seemed to get heavier as the realization of just what she was doing began to sink in. All around her, the citizens of her home village were oblivious to many of the happenings of the shinobi who protected them. They had no idea that an important ally had been kidnapped. They were completely unaware that an evil organization was slowly closing its fingers around their world. And they had no clue that the quiet girl walking down the street had such a heavy burden to bear. What she wouldn't give in that moment to be an ordinary civilian, with no missions to take on or battles to fight. She could be a shopkeeper, a trader, or just a girl who shopped the markets each day for her parents, not worrying about making the money herself by risking her life.

But there was no changing reality.

Before long the gates stood before her, open and revealing a glimpse into the thick trees that surrounded Konoha. How many times had she stepped through them, never feeling such a heavy sense of foreboding before a mission? But she tarried a moment too long, attracting the attention of Izumo and Kotetsu.

"Neh, Hinata san! Got a new mission?"

Glancing over, Hinata saw them looking at her, smiling. She had never really conversed with them before, and blushed lightly at their attention. "Um...yes."

"Must be a long one – you looked packed for quite the expedition!" Izumo observed.

Hinata shifted her weight, uncomfortable with their prying. She knew they meant well, but speaking of anything relating to her task made her nervous. "Well, I'm not sure how long I'll be g-gone. Hopefully not too long. I should probably get going, though."

"All right then," Kotetsu said, waving a little. "Good luck!"

Managing a small smile, Hinata waved back as she moved through the large gate. As soon as she felt herself outside the walls, she felt alone, isolated, and terribly exposed. Shoving her feelings aside, she kept walking down the road, looking for the north fork she would need to take to get to Oto no Kuni. It was several miles before the turn, and she went several more before gasping loudly.

A figure landed in front of her, crouched as it hit the ground. After she recollected her wits, Hinata activated her Byakugan and struck out with a Jyuuken, sailing past as the stranger nimbly dodged.

"Hinata san, stop...stop! It's me!"

Settling into a defensive stance, Hinata watched at the figure stood up straight, black eyes regarding her calmly. Hesitating, she relaxed and deactivated her Kekke Genkai, murmuring, "Itachi san...you scared me!"

"You need to be more on guard, Hinata san. Anywhere outside Konoha's walls is unsafe...and sometimes, even the village cannot shield you."

Feeling sheepish, Hinata blushed lightly, fingers twiddling for a moment before she forced herself to stop. "You're right..."

Itachi blinked and regarded her for a moment before speaking. "So, you managed to get out of Konoha without any complications. I trust you did not speak of our...arrangement?"

"No...I told Tsunade sama what I'm doing, but n-not why. She seemed a bit...unwilling to let me go, but she agreed in the end."

"Good. And you have a place to begin?"

"Yes."

A small silence bloomed between them as both took to their thoughts. Hinata tried her best to get stolen glances at the man, her curiosity burning bright. There was so much she didn't know about him, and yet...she felt like she could trust him, and that some small string of fate had them tied together. Shaking her head, she thought to herself, No! This is foolish. He's a criminal who has killed innocent people! I can't trust him!

But she couldn't deny that he had yet to harm her, or anyone else that she knew. He was supposedly hunting Naruto, but he had yet to succeed despite having had opportunities before. Again, Hinata questioned just how much good or evil he had inside him, still feeling that the good far outweighed the bad.

"I'm afraid I won't be able to be in contact with you very regularly," Itachi suddenly said, making Hinata squeak slightly as her thoughts were broken. "I have much to do with Akatsuki, and cannot afford much time to you. However, there is the need for me to hear of your progress, and you may have situations where you must contact me." Reaching into his sleeve, the Uchiha revealed a small scroll. "In here you will find the means to reach me. There are instructions inside. Any time you feel that you have something to report, or need to speak with me, you can use it."

Hinata took the rolled document lightly, giving it a small look before tucking it into her leg pack. "Thank you."

"Now, as you must now, you'll find my brother if you find Orochimaru. I trust you are traveling to Oto no Kuni to begin your search?"

"Yes. I managed to do some r-research over the last few days concerning Orochimaru. I think I have an idea where to s-start."

"Good." Itachi seemed to become distracted, glancing over his shoulder. "I have to go. Remember, if you need to contact me, use the scroll. Tell me anything you learn. Though I doubt I will have much time, I will do my best to help you from my end. This needs to succeed."

"I understand."

"Very well. Until later, Hinata san." Holding up two fingers in a half-tiger seal, Itachi dissolved into several ravens, fluttering and cawing as they disappeared into the trees and sky.

Hinata stared off long after the birds had gone, listening to the subtle sounds of the forest around her. Itachi's scroll gave her some comfort, knowing that, at least in some small way, she wasn't always alone in this journey. He seemed to be on her side, and that also boosted her confidence. She knew he was a great shinobi, and having him as an almost-ally put her mind at ease, if only a little. And, before she could prevent it, her traitorous mind let slip the thought that he was definitely easy on the eyes.

Mildly horrified, Hinata mentally chastised herself for a moment. How could she allow herself to find such a man appealing? After all he had done?

But her thoughts reviewed the views she had gotten of him while he had been near. He was several inches taller than her, and despite the figure-hiding cloak, she could tell from the breadth of his shoulders that he was muscular, if only in a sinewy way instead of pure bulk. His hair was dark and hung over his face in a way Sasuke's had last time she had seen him, which always seemed to be a favorite feature of the girls who had followed him. And those dark eyes...she felt she could drown in them. Though his face had been emotionless and blank, there was something in those eyes that went far beyond what she knew of him...

Shaking her head, Hinata tried to clear her thoughts of the raven-haired man. She tried to think instead of Naruto, of how much he meant to her, forcing herself to keep walking north in search of Sasuke.

How am I supposed to focus on finding one Uchiha...when my thoughts are filled with another?

The forest serenaded her as she walked, and as Itachi's startling appearance had informed her, Hinata knew she needed to keep her guard up. Once every fifteen minutes, she gave her immediate perimeter a sweep with her Byakugan, not even pausing in her trek or using a hand seal. She observed deer, squirrels, insects and birds, but no other humans as she continued. Hinata hadn't had many missions in the northern part of the continent, and the road wasn't one she knew well. With all the villages and lands to the north, she expected at least some traffic, but didn't encounter anyone as she walked, even after she stepped off the path to find a clearing in which to sleep when the sun had set, stars unobservable through the thick canopy. She set up a basic camp, lighting a small fire after erecting her tent, cooking a small portion of rations as she thought over her day.

She knew she had only taken a single step in a long journey, and the thought made her tired. After eating her food and putting out her fire, she performed a detailed sweep with her Kekke Genkai, stretching her sight as far as she could in search of anyone who could cause any trouble. Only after she confirmed she was completely alone did she crawl into her tent, listening to summer cicadas singing just outside.

And so begins Hinata's journey to find Sasuke! I hope you enjoyed (reviews are always so very much appreciated~), and I'll see you on chapter four ;)

~BlackRoseDragon13